By Abel Karowangoro in Makaha, Mudzi District

The Minister of Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services, Tatenda Mavetera, has called on communities in Mudzi to fully embrace digital technologies as a key driver of economic growth and national development.

Speaking during the 8th edition of the Digitalize Zimbabwe ICT Roving Expo held in Mudzi, Minister Mavetera emphasized the importance of integrating technology into everyday life, noting that digital tools are critical in improving livelihoods, enhancing education, and unlocking economic opportunities.

“We urge the people of Mudzi to utilise technology in their daily lives. Digital transformation is not just for urban areas—it is for everyone, and it is central to the growth of our economy,” she said.

The Minister highlighted that expanding digital access is key to achieving Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030, which aims to transform the country into an upper-middle-income economy.

She also expressed appreciation to President Emmerson Mnangagwa for supporting rural digital inclusion initiatives, including the distribution of 15 Starlink internet kits to Mudzi.

“We are grateful to His Excellency the President for facilitating the provision of 15 Starlink kits, which will be installed across constituencies and schools in Mudzi. This will significantly improve connectivity and access to information,” she said.

The initiative is being implemented through Video Promotions in collaboration with the Ministry of ICT.

Director Pascal Kwaramba said they were pleased with the continued growth of the programme.

“We are happy with this 8th edition of the Digitalise Zimbabwe ICT Roving Expo. We will make sure that we work towards President Mnangagwa’s mantra of leaving no one and no place behind.

We will also ensure that ICT stakeholders come together for one reason—to push the Vision 2030 agenda,” he said.

The Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Mashonaland East Province, Itayi Ndudzo, welcomed the expo, describing it as an important platform that connects communities with service providers.

“This expo gives people the opportunity to meet service providers and understand the technologies available to them.

Coming soon after the launch of the national Artificial Intelligence strategy, it shows that Zimbabwe is on the right track,” he said.

Traditional leadership also applauded the initiative, with Chief Thomas Nechombo expressing gratitude for the installation of Starlink kits in schools.

“We are very happy as a community. Our schools have received Starlink kits, and our children will benefit greatly through improved access to learning and digital tools,” he said.

Ward 14 Councillor, Charles Munyonga, also voiced support for the programme, commending the government’s commitment to rural development.

“This shows that the government is serious about inclusive development. We fully support these initiatives as they empower our communities and create new opportunities,” he said.

The Digitalise Zimbabwe ICT Roving Expo is part of broader efforts to bridge the digital divide and ensure that all communities participate in the country’s economic transformation.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has pledged US$1 million towards the rehabilitation of Ingutsheni Central Hospital, reinforcing Government efforts to modernise Zimbabwe’s largest mental health institution.

Speaking during a fundraising event held at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) grounds on Friday, the President announced that the funds would be made available immediately, alongside additional material support for the hospital.

“As the President, I am availing US$1 million and the farm implements requested with immediate effect. In addition, vehicles that need to be repaired should be done at the expense of the President’s Office,” he said.

The fundraising initiative, spearheaded by the Office of Vice President Colonel (Rtd) Dr Kembo Campbell Dugish Mohadi in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Child Care, aims to raise US$5 million for the refurbishment of Ingutsheni Central Hospital and its Drug Rehabilitation Centre.

Vice President Mohadi pledged US$100 000 towards the cause, while several institutions, corporates and individuals also made contributions during the event.

Among the tertiary institutions, the University of Zimbabwe donated US$15 000, the National University of Science and Technology pledged US$15 000, and Great Zimbabwe University contributed US$10 000.

Corporate and organisational pledges included US$20 000 from Safeway Technology, US$10 000 from the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF), and US$10 000 from the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) Corporate Social Responsibility Fund.

United Bulawayo Hospitals contributed US$10 000, while the Grain Millers Association committed to providing staple food supplies for the hospital until the same period next year.

Businessman Dr Kudakwashe Tagwireyi pledged US$350 000, with Obey Chimuka contributing US$150 000. Finance Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube made a personal donation of US$20 000, while the MHMK Foundation, led by George Manyere, pledged US$20 000.

ZANU PF donated US$100 000, and the Ministry of Defence contributed US$5 000.

Additional support came in various forms, including psycho-social services and human resources from Arise and Shine Community Development, soap and towels from Body Builders for ED, and a tonne of rice alongside a chatbot system for hospital use from Nketa legislator Honourable Mavunga.

Denver Investment pledged a beast for relish as well as a stand donation valued at US$10 000 to be raffled, while the Title Deeds for ED initiative committed scholarships for five children of Ingutsheni patients under an early childhood development programme.

Organisers confirmed that a total of US$2 152 800 has been raised so far towards the US$5 million target.

The rehabilitation programme is expected to improve infrastructure, expand rehabilitation services and enhance mental health care delivery at Ingutsheni Central Hospital, which has served Zimbabweans for more than a century.

Member of Parliament for Murehwa West, Honourable Farai Jere, has overseen a transformative vocational training and drug rehabilitation programme that is reshaping lives while simultaneously building momentum for Constitutional Amendment No. 3.

Hundreds of young people have either completed or are currently undergoing skills training under the initiative, which has become a model for community-driven development in the constituency.

The programme offers vocational training in various trades while also providing critical counselling and rehabilitation services for those affected by drug and substance abuse—twin pillars that Hon. Jere describes as essential for national renewal.

Speaking at a graduation ceremony for the latest cohort of trainees, Hon. Jere drew a direct link between individual empowerment and the broader constitutional reforms currently before Parliament.

“This initiative is about giving our young people the tools to build their own futures. But empowerment without a stable national framework is like planting seeds in a field that could be flooded tomorrow.

“Constitutional Amendment No. 3 provides that stability—the assurance that national programmes will have the time to mature and bear fruit for our people,” said Hon. Jere.

The MP has been engaging ZANU PF structures across the constituency—from the youth league to war veterans and the elderly to ensure widespread understanding of the proposed amendments.

His message resonates deeply in a community where the tangible benefits of skills training are visible daily.

“I am mobilising everyone the young and the elderly, across all party wings—because this amendment speaks to our national identity. When we talk about extending terms from five to seven years, we are talking about allowing a President to complete transformative projects. When we speak of appointing technically skilled Senators, we are talking about expertise serving our nation. This reflects who we are a people who plan for generations, not just for tomorrow,” said Hon. Jere.

The proposed Constitutional Amendment No. 3 Bill seeks to extend the terms of the President, Members of Parliament, and councillors from five to seven years; introduce a parliamentary system for electing the President; and permit the appointment of ten technically skilled Senators to enhance parliamentary capacity.

For Hon. Jere, the connection between constitutional reform and the daily lives of his constituents is clear and deliberate.

“When a young person completes a welding course here in Murehwa West, or when a former drug addict leaves our rehabilitation programme clean and employed, they need to know that this progress will not be abandoned. Constitutional Amendment No. 3 ensures continuity. It guarantees that the national development agenda does not restart every five years but builds consistently towards Vision 2030,” he said.

The MP’s approach in Murehwa West demonstrates how grassroots empowerment initiatives can serve as vehicles for political education.

The rehabilitation centre component of the programme addresses what he identifies as a major threat to youth development.

“We cannot speak of empowerment while our young people are being destroyed by drugs and substance abuse.

This programme tells them: you matter, your future matters, and this nation needs you. But we also need a constitutional framework that allows us to sustain these rehabilitation efforts not in fits and starts, but consistently over time. Amendment No. 3 gives us that time,” said Hon. Jere.

As public hearings on Amendment No. 3 prepare to begin nationwide, Hon. Jere’s integrated approach in Murehwa West offers a model of how constitutional discourse can be grounded in tangible community benefits.

“Constitutional Amendment No. 3 is not just a political document; it is a statement of national identity. It says we are a people who value continuity over chaos, development over disruption, and expertise over expediency.

“Our young people learning trades here today are living proof of why we need this stability,” he said.

He stressed that the amendment reflects the voice of the people.

“The idea to extend terms originated from the people themselves. As leaders, we have a duty to return to them and inform them that their request has been accepted and is now being crafted into law.

“That is what I am doing in Murehwa West—bringing the message back to those who sent it forward. The public hearings will allow every Zimbabwean to have their say, but we must ensure our communities are informed and ready to participate,” he said.

Hon. Jere also highlighted the broader benefits of the amendment beyond political terms.

“We are talking about political stability, sufficient time to complete national projects, continuity of development-oriented legislation, improved operations of institutions like the Zimbabwe Gender Commission—now integrated with the Human Rights Commission—and the introduction of technical expertise into Parliament.

“These are not abstract concepts; they are practical improvements that will touch every household in Murehwa West and across Zimbabwe,” he said.

He reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that his constituency fully understands the stakes involved in the constitutional reform process.

“My responsibility is to ensure that every young person learning a skill here, and every elder who has seen generations of promises come and go, understands what Amendment No. 3 means for their lives.

“It means the President leading Zimbabwe until 2030 with a mandate that allows for proper planning. It means Parliament functioning with enhanced technical capacity. It means our institutions strengthened to serve the people better. This is the Zimbabwe we are building—strong, stable, and prosperous,” he said.

The vocational training and rehabilitation programme continues to expand, with new cohorts beginning training monthly and plans underway to establish additional skills centres across the constituency.

Hon. Jere said each graduate represents both an individual success story and a building block in the case for constitutional reform.

“Every young person who completes this programme becomes an ambassador for what is possible when leadership is given time to deliver. They are living evidence of why Amendment No. 3 matters.

“They will carry that message into their families, their communities, and their futures. That is how we build national identity—not through slogans, but through transformed lives supported by stable governance,” said Hon. Jere.